Hey,

I would love it if you could send me feedback on my story. I can't tell if it is good or not. I think I might ramble too much and I don't know if my story is too slow and dry. I know there isn't much going on with the plot either. It's still early in the story and I'm still building up to the big stuff.

This chapter doesn't have as much bromance/friendship fluff as I hope to have in my other chapters, but I'm still building up to it. Sorry about that.

I'm trying to keep up with my updates, I promise.

Any tips would be helpful.

Thanks

By the time Sam and Bee got to the base it was starting to get dark. Sam had forgone stopping for dinner for getting to the base quicker and was now regretting it due to his grumbling stomach. He knew that the base food, while amazingly edible for military food, was not the most appealing and aimed more at nutrition and health than it did taste; not exactly his motivation.

But despite his hunger, he was in a better mood than he had been in a long while. He had spent all day hanging out with Bee again, talking, goofing off, and having a wonderful time. Almost like old times. And he was looking forward to his time at the base even more, when Bee and the other Bots could be more open and themselves again, which they couldn't in the open public.

The first month and a half after he returned from Egypt had been spent almost entirely at the Autobot base. Bee had completely refused to allow Sam out of his sight are rarely ever was he not hovering over him like a mother hen. Sam suspected that the normally cheerful yellow mech had taken his death harder than anyone else, even his parents who wouldn't allow Sam out of the house without some type of Autobot protection. Sam wasn't sure why everyone was making such a big deal about it all. It wasn't like he had stayed dead.

Sam felt more at home with his Autobot friends than anywhere else. He wasn't exactly one of them, so he was inevitably left out of some things, but he felt like he belonged there more than anywhere else. And he could hardly connect to others after all that he had been through, especially when he couldn't talk about any of it.

No matter the cause, Sam had cherished his time with the Autobots while they had been able to be more themselves. He had gotten used to life on the base and had gotten to know the Bots a little bit more and had been sorely upset when he had had to leave. He was looking forward to going back.

One thing he was shocked to discover was just how private and reclusive the Autobots really were. He had always thought them to be extremely close and open, but, in fact, they were very secretive. Not in a bad way, of course, but they kept personal matters to themselves. And what Sam had gotten out of them wasn't exactly life choices. He just wished he knew how to get them to open up. He was pretty sure it was their culture that kept them from sharing more.

The first thing he did when he got to the base, much to Bee's amusement, was head to the mess hall. He loaded his green plastic tray with everything that he thought looked good and sat himself down at a small table. He had been around enough that most of the soldier who were there didn't give him weird looks, but he knew none of them, and resigned himself to a lonely meal.

He ate quickly and found Bee sitting outside the door waiting for him, stretched out in his normal form.

"So what's next on the activities list, Bee," he announced his presence, though he was sure Bee had known he was coming before he, himself, did, what with his sophisticated scanners. He smiled up at him when Bee turned away from the fighting drill he had been watching, ten humans with big guns practicing fighting, and looked at him with bright optics.

"Take you… to see… others… and meet… new guys."

"Well then lead the way big guy."

Bee's spark warmed seeing Sam's happy face. It seemed as though that didn't happen enough recently with what happened in Egypt and now the breakup with Mikaela. It pleased Bee beyond explanation and expression that Sam felt so comfortable with him and his comrades. They had never come across another organic race which had accepted them like many humans had. But then again, they had never met another species like the humans.

He wasn't sure how much Sam cared for him and the other Autobots. He was obviously closest to Optimus, Ratchet, and Ironhide (and, of course, Bee more than all) than he was with anyone else. Sometimes Bee thought that Sam truly cared for them, that he thought of them as close friends. But he was hardly qualified to judge such things from humans.

And sometimes Bee wasn't sure if Sam grasped just how much he meant to his Autobot companions. And to himself most of all.

While humans were fairly open, Cybertronians were a very private race. Many times one of the Bots, especially the newer ones, would find themselves watching in awe at how humans were able to talk to one another for hours, how they would 'get to know each other' by sharing person details with complete strangers, how they could bond with anyone over trivial things. Cybertronian society was, in many ways, the complete opposite and Bee worried that many things were being lost in the gaps that divided the two races.

"So tell me about the new Bots," Sam started as he walked toward the biggest building to the left of the base, the Autobot's recreational hanger of sorts. Bee chuckled to himself at how eager Sam was.

"There are… two… Aqua… Streak… and Wild… Flash." Bee had trouble making the names properly, limited as he was with this voice. None the less he was satisfied with what he had managed to pull together.

"AquaStreak and Wildflash?" Sam clarified. "What are they like?"

"They're cool… Aqua… is very strict… but… Flash… is real laid back… lots of fun… both… kick butt." Bee gave him a sly look before adding, "Side… sweep… is in love with… Aqua… gorgeous... keeps… making a fool of himself… hilarious." Sam couldn't help but laugh.

"And… What do they think… about me," Sam asked hesitantly. Though he hadn't really meant to cause problems, Ratchet had let it slip a long while ago that some of the arriving Autobots might have difficulty accepting Sam and their human allies. Bee sorely wished he hadn't. Autobots didn't have the best views of organics, and they rarely met a species of them that were intelligent, fewer that were capable. Bee could see how Bots would have a difficult time accepting humans as their equals. Especially Sam, who was still just a young boy. Even Bee sometimes had difficulty wrapping his processor around all that Sam had done for them.

"Hard at first… but… they came 'round… eventually."

"Cool."

The trip to the hanger was a much longer walk with Sam with him and he was forced to slow his own, comparatively huge, strides to match the speed that Sam was able to walk with his much smaller legs. Bee had briefly considered picking Sam up in his hand and carrying him to the base but had decided against it. While Sam didn't necessarily mind, he wasn't overly fond of the mode of transport.

When they finally reached the hanger the sun had gone down and the only light was coming from the harsh ceiling lamps hanging from the unbelievably tall roof.

The Autobots didn't turn around to greet them when they got there, though Sam was sure that they knew they were there. They never didn't know what was happening around them. Sam even doubted they lost awareness of their surrounds even while they were sleeping, or rather, recharging. But Sam had learned that the Autobots were exceptionally stilled at mimicry. Almost everything that they did was a carefully calculated strategy to make the people around them feel more comfortable. And a large group of giant alien robots standing inside the door waiting for him to arrive might have made him uncomfortable.

"Hey guys," Sam called when he stepped into the metal room.

This time they did turn and smile at him warmly in greeting. Optimus was strangely missing, but Sam didn't spend too much time wondering about it. While he was usually with the rest of his team, Optimus still needed time to himself like everyone else. Everyone else was there though; Ratchet, Ironhide, Sidesweep, Jolt, Skid and Mudflap.

"Hello, Sam," Ratchet, who was closest, said to Sam though he seemed to be distracted fiddling with some sort of metal design laying on a large table in front of him. "Nice to see you again. How are you?"

"I'm good," but Ratchet wasn't listening to him. The cranky doctor was too absorbed in his work.

"Don't bother about him," Ironhide boomed from the other side of the room. "He's been like that for days now. Won't be much use trying to get through to him." That didn't surprise Sam. When Ratchet set his mind to something, few things could break his concentration. "Haven't seen you in awhile."

"Yeah, it's good to be back. Um… what are they doing?"

Skid and Mudflap were on the far side of the room, standing in front of a large, ominous hole in the wall that Sam could have easily walked through. They seemed to be trying to repair it, though they weren't doing a very good job of it. It appeared as though they had no idea how to fix the problem. But, then again, Sam didn't either though he supposed he shouldn't judge. Even though they were super advance alien robots who had the ability to look up anything at any time.

"They were fighting," Ratchet gruffed. It appeared that he was willing to temporarily abandon his work if it meant grouching about the twins, who were a never ending pain in his aft. "Even after Optimus specifically told them not to. They blew a hole in the wall and it's their responsibility to fix it."

"Oh." This was nothing new. The twins were always doing something stupid and causing trouble. It was usually amusing for Sam, though only when it didn't directly involve him.

"Sam," Optimus' voice sounded behind him.

Optimus was glad to see Sam again. He had grown incredibly fond of the young boy. And he was indebted to him more than Sam could possibly understand, in ways that he couldn't even begin to describe properly, in ways that struck at the very core of Cybertronian society.

He knelt down so he was closer to eye level with the boy. "It's good to see you again, boy."

Sam bristled slightly. Optimus knew that he hated being called 'boy', but he couldn't help himself. It made Sam feel young and disrespected, but Optimus meant it as a term of endearment.

"Yeah, it is. Bee said you wanted to see me," it was almost phrased as a question and meant to be taken as one. Even though Bee had told him what Optimus had wanted him for, he couldn't think of anything else to say. It had always been a little awkward around Optimus even though Sam wished it wasn't. Before it was because Optimus always seemed like a larger than life infallible leader and Sam felt too small around him. But now, just as he was beginning to overcome his assumptions, Optimus had started acting oddly around him and it put Sam on edge.

"Yes," Optimus said tilting his head slightly to the side as if he was curious about something. "A group of Autobots are on their way here. They are estimated to arrive at approximately two in the afternoon. I would like for you to meet them." He hesitated only slightly before continuing. "And a number of threats have been made against you by the Decepticons. I would have you here, where you can be protected."

There it was again. There wasn't anything wrong with what Optimus had said, per say. It was how he said it that bothered Sam. Sometimes he acted like he was doing what he was doing out of obligation, like he was making up for something almost.

"You don't owe me anything Optimus," Sam said hesitantly, not completely sure if he had interpreted Optimus' actions correctly or how his words would be taken.

Optimus shuddered his optics in surprise, a blink. "I owe you my life." Optimus couldn't understand how Sam could believe differently. If Sam hadn't of intervened, hadn't of refused to accept the truth of situation, hadn't of come back for him, he would be dead. And without a leader the Autobot cause would have been finished. He could still remember his awe when he was pulled awake and saw the small human boy standing there, looking up at him with clear hope in his eyes. He wasn't expecting Sam to take advantage of the severity of the situation, but he had assumed that he knew of it. It seemed he was wrong.

Optimus said it with such finality and certainty that it made Sam shudder. His face fell into a deep frown but before he could utter a word on the subject Optimus had changed the topic.

"This is AquaStreak and Wildflash," he said gesturing to his right where two Bots, one femme and one mech, which Sam had never seen before, stood.

The femme stepped closer and bent down to inspect him. It made him slightly uncomfortable but he had expected nothing less. "Aqua," she finally said in greeting. "Call me Aqua. And you must be Sam."

Sam nodded without really thinking about it while he looked up at her curiously. She wasn't very big, smaller than Bumblebee but bigger than Arcee's three bodies had been. Her armor was a delicate pale blue with white trimmings which made a lovely contrast to her bright blue optics. She did have a beauty to her and Sam could see why Sidesweep would be interested.

The one who he had to assume was Wildflash stood tall and sleek. He almost looked like a tall, lanky teenager. He looked unnaturally skinny for an Autobot and his shiny midnight black armor didn't help him look any bigger. But something about the way he held himself, how he was able to give off an air of capability while at the same time being laid back, and his easy grin made Sam like and respect him. He didn't say anything; just reclined his head to Sam, but Sam didn't feel like he was being mocked or degraded.

"I anticipate becoming more acquainted with you," Aqua said formerly, bowing her head respectfully and standing up to leave. Wildflash followed her lead, also bowing before walking out of the room behind her.

Sam stared after them stunned. That hadn't been exactly what he was expecting from them. He had expected them to be more casual and curious. That was what he had become accustomed to seeing from the other Autobots. He might have even been expecting to be disregarded and disrespected. But they had even bowed to him. He wasn't sure why, but he assumed it was a part of their culture.

"Well that went well…" Sam trailed off not sure what to say.

"They are unsure how to act around you," Optimus said reassuringly. "No one is quite sure of your standing."

"What standing?"

He didn't miss how Optimus hesitated before answering while Bee shifted slightly, Ratchet paused in his work for a few moments, and Ironhide tensed. Sidesweep, who had yet to change out of his alt mode, revved his engine anxiously which started Sam who had thought that he was recharging. Even Skids and Mudflap seemed to jerk.

They were definitely keeping something from him, and it seemed as though it was very controversial between them. It made him mad. He supposed that they had a right to keep some things to themselves, no matter how much he wished they trusted him enough to share it. But it seemed that no matter how many times he proved to them that he was trustworthy and capable, they just continued to ignore the fact that he could help. But, again, that was their right. But when whatever they were trying to hide involved him, he wasn't playing around. He had found that usually when things involved him, it got messy and dangerous for everyone involved very quickly.

"Your standing as a member of the base. We are to respect the command of both Autobots and humans. You are not a member of the military, nor are you a member of our forces, but you have proven to be an ally."

"You're lying." It was said as a simple statement because that was how Sam saw it to be. He wasn't sure why he was so sure, but he was confident that he was right.

But apparently that's not the type of thing you say to the leader of the Autobot forces. Sidesweep gave a cry of outrage and transformed with furious speed and intensity. It frightened Sam, even though he would never admit it. A furious Autobot was a force to be reckoned with, and quite terrifying to see. Especially Sidesweep, whom Sam had seen in battle, a force of destruction, and who Sam had never known to be a particularly angry person. The other Autobots were tense and clearly angry. Sam guessed that, even if it was true, you don't accuse a prime of lying.

Optimus grimaced. He didn't blame Sam though. He wasn't lying, per say. What he told Sam was the truth, but that was not what was being called into question. Optimus knew that he would have to eventually tell Sam, but he didn't want to tell him now.

And Sam knew very little about their culture. What he had said was not culturally unaccepted for humans. He could hardly know the significance of what he had said; the insult he had given to, not only Optimus, but also the Autobot cause. Optimus could clearly feel the anger and uncertainty of his fellow Autobots, as well as a few outraged inquiries over the comm. link, but he sent a reassuring and warning response back and tried to think of a way to placate Sam.

"Come on… Sam… you should… sleep," Bee cut in anxiously, trying to end the conversation and draw Sam away. He had felt the insult personally, but knew that Sam hadn't known what his words meant and didn't want to see him hurt for his misspeak.

Sam, as per usual, ignored them all and plowed on. "I know there is something you aren't telling me. If it has to do with me, I have a right to know."

Optimus vented his system, the Autobot equivalent to a sigh. "There are many factors that are being considered in this situation. We have yet to come to an understanding and decision. Once we have, I give you my word that I will inform you."

Sam was hardly satisfied, but he didn't have a chance to voice his objection before Optimus spoke again.

"Bumblebee is correct Sam, you should sleep. The second wave of Autobots is expected to arrive on Earth approximately 2:00 in the afternoon. They should be prepared to meet our new human allies between 3:00 and 4:00. You should be well rested to greet them as they arrive."

Just as Optimus knew it would, Sam's curiosity overweighed his sense of injustice and he latched onto the new conversation topic. What Optimus had said was a statement, and had he been talking to any Autobot it would have been taken as such with an understood underlying command. But he had been around humans, particularly Sam, enough to know that they often took statements, not to mean the end of a conversation, but the beginning of one.

"Who, exactly is coming. 'The second wave'? What does that mean?"

"It is another group of Autobots who were stationed at the base we had used for command. Ironhide, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Jazz, and I were there before we took the mission to search for the All-Spark many vorns ago. Most we know, some we do not. We do not wish to say much on the subject for we do not want to take the risk that the information may reach Decepticon ears. You will learn more tomorrow, when you meet them."

Sam wanted to ask more but was shepherded away by Bee. Giving in, mostly because he was, actually, tired and slightly because he knew he would get no more out of them (though he would never admit it), he allowed himself to be herded towards the door.

"And, Sam," Optimus spoke from behind him, reaching out to him before he could leave.

Sam could see the large red and blue hand quickly coming towards him from the corner of his eye. Though logically he knew what was happening and who was reaching towards him, he was unable to really see what was happening. He couldn't see that the mech's face was soft and caring, not cold and powerful. He couldn't recognize the loving tenderness with which the hand reached out and the mech usually acted. And he couldn't stop his reaction.

Fear flashed through him and he flinched away from the hand that was so close to him that he could feel the heat radiating from the finger that was aimed to softly brush his back. A hand so powerful that it could kill him in an instant, without him even knowing what had happened. A hand that often transformed itself into horrible, deadly weapons. Those were the thoughts that ran through his mind, even if he knew that Optimus would never actually hurt him.

Optimus froze in surprise and sorrow. He should have known better than to reach for Sam in that manner. He watched sadly as Sam crossed his arms in front of his chest; a sign of vulnerability, he had learned. "It truly is good to have you back on base. Even if you choose only to stay a few days."

Optimus watched as Sam rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and said, "Yeah. It's good to be back." Sam left the hanger followed by Bumblebee, who gave a sad anxious whirl towards Optimus before leaving. And Optimus was left wondering when Sam had been so negatively influenced, why he had not noticed Sam's discomfort long before it had gotten too much for him to bear, and if Sam would ever be able to overcome his fears.

"Don't worry about it Optimus," Ratchet said reassuringly. "He just needs time to process everything that's happened to him. The subconscious of humans, I've learned, is very powerful. It's often the easiest to hurt and the hardest to heal."

But no one was sure they believed the words.

Please send me a review. I really can't tell if this is good or not. And I would love the help in writing my story.

Anything you can offer would be helpful, even if you say it is horrible.

I could use feedback on writing style, plot development, and character development. And I don't know if I ramble too much.

Thanks for the help.